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Deer hit their rutting season in November, which is why more deer are also hit by vehicles during that month.

To bring awareness of that statistic, as well as to help out the community, Northwest Autobody and Towing, located in Sandpoint and Ponderay, ID, donated $50 for every wild animal collision repair done throughout the month of November to the Bonner Community Food Bank.

“I was born and raised in Sandpoint, so it is huge for me to help the community that helps me, that built my business, that has made me who I am,” said Cory Donenfeld, who co-owns Northwest Autobody with his brother, Eric Donenfeld. “It makes me feel good to give back to my community.”

This is Northwest Autobody’s third year of donating to the food bank from animal collision repairs. This year, 29 vehicles were repaired, totaling $1,450 to help the hungry. In 2016 and 2017, Northwest Autobody repaired 23 cars each year, coincidentally, for two donations of $1,150 to the food bank.

In its two locations, Sandpoint, ID, and Priest River, ID, the food bank provides services to 900 area families, feeding more than 2,500 people each month. Debbie Love, food bank executive director, said the funds donated by Northwest Autobody will help the food bank into the new year and through January, when donations tend to decrease after the holidays.

“We appreciate local businesses like Northwest Autobody that are creative in their ways of giving,” Love said. “I think it is a wonderful program that they are doing.”

Cory said he and his brother enjoy being part of the community and are members of organizations such as the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club and the Sandpoint chapter of Business Network International. They also donate time and money toward a lot of nonprofits, he said.

Eric also emphasized their enjoyment of giving back to the community, adding that they encourage their employees to give back as well. It’s a “feel good” thing for them to help out, he said, echoing his brother’s sentiments.

“And it’s fun,” he said.

Northwest Autobody Accounts Manager Cindy Worley-Bahret said she has seen first-hand the commitment the brothers have to the community.